The NAFSA Annual Conference is an energizing experience… and it is just one week a year. On July 23rd, 2026, volunteers on the NAFSA Member Engagement Committee (MEC) led a practical conversation on how to stay connected, continue learning, and build lasting professional relationships for the 51 other weeks of the year.

This interactive session highlighted the many ways to engage with NAFSA beyond the conference, from online communities and webinars to regional events, proposal review, and volunteer leadership. Whether you joined us in Orlando, could not attend this year, or have never been to our conference in May, this event offered the opportunity to hear real stories from your peers about simple, manageable ways to keep your momentum going and make the most of your NAFSA experience year-round.

Facilitators

Caroline Donovan White, MA

Caroline Donovan White
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Caroline Donovan White, MA, is the senior director for education abroad services and volunteer engagement at NAFSA: Association of International Educators. At NAFSA, Caroline provides strategic staff leadership for professional development programs and services on education abroad topics and manages...
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Maki Natori

Maki Natori photo
University of British Columbia
Chair, Member Engagement Committee
Maki Natori is Director, Strategic Partnerships & Projects at the University of British Columbia’s International Student Initiative (UBC-ISI). Maki previously served on the NAFSA Canada IG committee and as the BC Rep on the NAFSA Region I committee. She has presented at the BC Council for...
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Amanda Broome

Amanda Broome Headshot
Virginia Tech
Chair-elect, Member Engagement Committee
Amanda Broome is the assistant director of marketing and communications for international affairs at Virginia Tech, where she helps connect students to global learning opportunities through strategic communications. She brings over a decade of experience in higher education communications, community...
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Sumie Song

Sumie Song
The GREEN Program
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Sumie Song, Ph.D. is Director of Strategic Partnerships at The GREEN Program. She has worked in the field of international education for 13 years. She previously served as co-Chair of the NAFSA Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) and before joining The GREEN Program was Director of Global...
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Seth Hall

Seth Hall
University of Virginia
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Seth is a passionate international education advocate and has worked in the field for over 10 years. He currently serves as an International Student & Scholar Advisor at the University of Virginia and, prior to that, advised international learners at the University of Kentucky. In addition to his...
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Anna Lyons

Anna Lyons Headshot
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Anna Lyons is the program manager for volunteer and member engagement at NAFSA: Association of International Educators. At NAFSA, Anna manages technology for the volunteer and member engagement team events and programs and assists with the NAFSA International Education Awards. Anna serves as a staff...
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